Wealth: Save more in your employer's tax-deferred retirement plan. The best times to do this are when you receive an increase in income or when household expenses, such as a car loan or child care, end.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Wealth: Track your expenses for a month or two to get a realistic view of your current cash flow. Carry around a small notebook and record every expense as it happens (e.g., when you swipe a debit card).

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Health: Make every calorie count by eating nutrient-dense foods. For example, choose brown rice over white rice and whole grain breads, crackers, pasta, and snacks over those made with white flour.

Wealth: Develop a spending plan (budget) based on your income, expenses, and financial goals. Download a "paper and pencil" worksheet.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Health: Eat mindfully. Try not to eat more calories and fat grams than you need each day. Limit fried foods and snacks high in fat and use smaller plates so your meals appear larger than they actually are.

Wealth: Try to save 10% of your gross income. If you can't manage 10%, save a smaller amount, but do so regularly. Increase savings when your income increases and/or household expenses end or decrease.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Health: Eat slowly so you feel full at every meal. It takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that you are full. When people eat quickly, they tend to eat a lot before this happens.

Wealth: Include all family members in financial decisions so they will work harder to achieve them.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Health: Be cautious at buffets. Take a look at all the foods that are available, before you get in line. Then determine what foods being served are lowest in fat, salt, and sugar. Fill up on high fiber foods such as salads, vegetables, and whole grains, and take small servings of high fat foods.